by Shane Conto, Staff Writer
How has exploration changed over time in the eyes of history and society? For years, explorers like Columbus were held high and respected as they took on daring adventures around the world. But the narrative has shifted from wide-eyed praise to biting commentary on the impact their conquests truly had. A sense of adventure resulted in bloodbaths and desolation around the world while many indigenous communities were destroyed or repressed. One of the most famous of these great explorers was Fernao de Magalhaes…Ferdinand Magellan. Circumnavigating the world is a daring mission for sure…and writer/director Lav Diaz gives a raw exploration of Magellan’s impact.
What does Filipino filmmaker Diaz bring to the table with Magellan? Diaz is notorious for crafting some of the most sprawling (in runtime) films of his generation. The shorter films in his filmography are in the three-and-a-half-hour range with some of them reaching six hours. Magellan does not quite go that hard but at over two-and-a-half hours, this is a sprawling adventure drama. The film could have probably been tightened up at times but that staunchly goes against the approach and atmosphere that Diaz is attempting to craft. This is not an experience that is meant to run through. Diaz forces the audience to gaze upon suffering and devastation in the wake of Magalhaes’ actions. Magellan is one of the rawest and striking looking films in a long time as it loses its audience in the natural beauty of the world that is unfortunately stained with the blood and death of this explorer’s actions. Cinematographer Artur Tort works closely with Diaz to craft the visuals of this film. You feel the majesty of ships in the giant and vast ocean. You see indigenous peoples in their natural experience including the human body in its most natural state. These are not models either as they exist with all types of imperfects. But the shots of death sprawls across the ground in the aftermath of Magalhaes’ work are the most striking and haunting.
Over this sprawling runtime, does Diaz deliver a compelling narrative of this explorer and the people affected by his actions? This film does a great job of balancing different elements to provide a mosaic of the lasting effects of individual men’s hubris. There are romantic elements for Magalhaes and Beatriz Barbosa which help humanize and ground our explorer. He was a man. This was not the type of monster that destroyed all that human life. Diaz delivers a biting look at the cruelty and destruction that people can inflict upon other human beings. The narrative navigates the perspectives of those who bankrolled him as well as the perspective of the men who were subject to his confidence, drive, and arrogance. We witness the results of this drive with so many of his men’s bodies laid across many settings of conflict. Then there is the perspective of the indigenous people who pay the true price of this exploration. Diaz does not shy away from the fear and rebellion that churns in the indigenous societies. We also witness their mundane experiences and how they are shattered by death. This is a haunting tale that is sprawling in its narrative beats as well as the thematic work that makes up its foundation.
How does the cast bring Diaz’ vision to life? There is only one standout star in the film, and it is not surprising that the casting is for Magalhaes. Gael Garcia Bernal is a fantastic performer, and he breathes plenty of life into this Portuguese explorer. As a veteran actor at this point in his career, Bernal brings a presence that fits well for the larger-than-life persona in world history. But he grounds his performance and gives Magalhaes grit. He sells the more human and romantic moments just as well as the more unrestricted hubris that leads to so much wanton destruction. The rest of the cast is made up of performers who create characters that feel so natural and organic on the screen. You feel every bit of fear, sadness, anger, and rage that boils up over the course of this sprawling film.
Does Diaz deliver a powerful and impressive cinematic experience? It is a real shame that this film is not getting the global recognition it deserves. This is one of the most striking, gorgeous, harrowing, and contemplative cinematic experiences in recent memory. Patience will reward you with a truly poignant exploration of the ramifications of conquest and exploration. Bernal leads this sprawling film with confidence and power of performance. Magellan is a great achievement for Diaz that might encourage the exploration of his more daring and inaccessible efforts.
Rating: Loved It
Magellan is currently playing in theaters
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